US President Donald Trump, who took office yesterday, urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a deal with Ukraine, Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reported.
Trump also said that Putin is destroying Russia with his unwillingness to reach an agreement.
Earlier, Putin congratulated Trump on his inauguration and said that Moscow wants "lasting peace" with Kiev, AFP notes. Donald Trump said that he would meet with Putin, but that no date has yet been set for the meeting. He also promised to end the war between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible.
While signing decrees in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump said he would talk to Putin, who "would be very happy to see this war ended."
At the same time, the US president expressed his opinion that it could be a disaster for Russia if it refuses to negotiate and does not agree to a ceasefire or peace with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"Russia is facing big problems. Look at the economy, inflation," he told reporters in the Oval Office.
"I get along very well with him (Putin) and I hope he will agree to a deal," Trump emphasized. The US president also said that Ukrainian President Zelensky wants a deal.